Forum

Welcome to the newly redesigned Science Careers Forum. Please bookmark this site now for future reference. If you've previously posted to the forum, your current username and password will remain the same in the new system. If you've never posted or are new to the forum, you will need to create a new account.

The new forum is designed with some features to improve the user experience. Upgrades include:- easy-to-read, threaded discussions- ability to follow discussions and receive notifications of updates- private messaging to other SC Forum members- fully searchable database of posts- ability to quote in your response- basic HTML formatting available

I've heard that there are many manufacturing jobs coming up in the near future in biotech, since so many companies have moved into product development now. Are there PhD level jobs also -- or, aren't those just BS level jobs? In other words, is there any truly challenging work or is it just routine.

Many companies are gearing up for manufacturing and it is a major job category. For PhD's, this means that certain kinds of scientists (fermentation microbiologists, cell biologists, biochemical engineers, analytical biochemists, etc) will be needed for core manufacturing facilities.

PhD's are often found running the show in manufacturing, but they often start in jobs like Quality Control/Assurance or Assay Development, Tech Services, etc. By sheer numbers, there are more BS level positions, because these folks are operating the equipment. Even community colleges are gearing up to support certain hiring trends in manufacturing.

However, don't be concerned if you still like the bench. There are about 800 companies in the Northern CA area, and only 100 of them see a need for manufacturing staff in the short term (the next couple of years). So -- that means a lot of firms are still in the search for a product to manufacture.